The Gold Coast SUNS have strengthened its off-field football program, appointing Stephen Daniel and Andrew Raines to its coaching staff.
Daniel will take over the reins as coach of the GC SUNS NEAFL team, while Raines joins the club as the new GC SUNS Academy coach.
GC SUNS General Manager - Football, Marcus Ashcroft, confirmed the appointments.
“We are thrilled to announce that Stephen and Andrew will join our coaching staff,” Ashcroft said.
“Stephen and Andrew well and truly deserve the opportunity and importantly are passionate about the success of AFL on the Gold Coast.”
An experienced coach at local and state level, Daniel led the Labrador Tigers to the 2015 QAFL premiership, breaking a 21-year premiership drought to defeat reigning champions Morningside and win the QAFL flag.
Prior to taking over at Labrador, Daniel has held coaching positions with Tatura, Seymour and the Northern Bullants, as well as coaching Queensland’s state/country teams in 2008, 2010, 2012 & 2014.
“I’m pretty excited at the moment and I’m really looking forward to it. It’ll certainly be a challenge but I can’t wait to get started,” Daniel said.
WATCH: Andrew Raines speaks to SUNS TV about his new position at the club
Raines retired at the end of the 2015 season after 12 seasons and 129 games with three different AFL clubs.
Raines played six seasons with Richmond, five at the Brisbane Lions and 2015 with the GC SUNS. He was awarded the Gold Coast SUNS Most Professional Player award at the Club Champion dinner in September.
“I’m really looking forward to the role and am rapt to stick around the club,” Raines said.
“I’ve been through the local program here when I grew up. Obviously it’s changed over the years but I suppose to grow up in Queensland, on the Gold Coast, and then to go on and play football at the highest level hopefully it’s something for the young kids here to aspire to.”
Daniel and Raines will commence their coaching duties on Monday 2 November.
